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FCC Seeks Comment on 911 Smartphone Apps

“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”

Comments are due February 2, 2017

Reply comments are due March 6, 2017

On December 19, 2016, the FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released a Public Notice seeking comment on whether to initiate proceedings to address issues related to 911 smartphone apps. The National Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA) has raised concerns that 911 apps may harm consumers by slowing down the process of gaining access to the 911 system, interfere with the process of responding to calls for service, and can present a danger to emergency responders.

PSHSB seeks comment on NASNA’s concerns, the appropriate role for the Commission, and other comments related to 911 apps or public safety-related smartphone apps. For example, individuals and organizations representing individuals with disabilities may comment on their experiences and expectations when using 911 apps and other emergency-related apps for smartphones.

For more information, please contact Austin Randazzo, Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau, at (202) 418-1462 or Austin.Randazzo@fcc.gov. For those using videophones and fluent in American Sign Language, you may call the ASL Consumer Support Line at 844‐432‐2275.